Middlesbrough Walker Cup star Michael Skelton says the pressure is firmly on the Americans at Ganton this weekend - not Great Britain & Ireland.

The 19-year-old Marske-born golfer will become the youngest player since Ronan Rafferty in 1981 to face the Americans when the amateur "Ryder Cup" gets under way at Ganton, near Scarborough, tomorrow morning.

And he is the first Middlesbrough Brass Castle player to be part of the GB & Ireland side since Martin Thompson back in 1983.

But with Garth McGimpsey's side going for a record-breaking third straight Walker Cup win, Skelton reckons the home side are not feeling the heat but their opponents from across the Atlantic will.

"The pressure is on them big time," said the affable teenager, who still has ties with Hunley Hall Golf Club where he first played golf.

"They haven't won it for four years so they must win it this year.

"We can just go out and play our game and enjoy it."

Skelton says he cannot wait to line up for the Cup on what he describes as his favourite course - though he feels it unlikely he will get a game in the Saturday morning foursomes.

With only eight of the ten-man squad to get a game in the morning foursomes, Skelton reckons being the young gun will rule him out.

"The feeling I'm getting is that I'm going to miss out in the morning," he said.

"With me being the young guy, or the inexperienced one as they see it, then I sense that I'll be sitting out.

"It will be a massive disappointment if I do miss out because I want to play in every match.

"I'm a good foursomes player. I would say I'm a good team player which is why I have been selected for the Walker Cup.

"When I'm playing golf I never let it get to me and people don't know when I've played a bad shot because I don't show it.

"I always try to keep people interested and keep them going.

"But the captain will select who he wants to select and that's up to him. I'll still be out there giving the lads my support because we are all in this together.

"And then when I'm called on to play I will give it my best."

Should his miss out in the morning, he is set for an afternoon singles spot and hopefully an appearance in both the Sunday foursomes and singles.

At the moment the nerves are holding firm for the confident 19-year-old, although he is getting a buzz for the event.

"There have been a few people turning up to watch the practice and we're just starting to get the feel for the competition.

"The course is in great nick, the spirit is good in the team, and we believe we can win the Walker Cup."